Race for finals heats up

Moolap's (back) Rita Nelis, Marilyn Wyllie, Joy Abrahams and Hazel Ashton and Surfcoast Blue Jan Juc's (front) Gayle Roach, Bronwyn O’Sullivan, Sharon Seeley, Fiona Spence and Belinda Garwood. (Supplied) 268102_01

Tennis Geelong’s midweek ladies were treated to a beautiful day this week, with the temperature pushing into the 30s.

For the Section 5 ladies, the action on the court was just as impressive.

Portarlington pushed itself into the top four with a 4-2 win away from home over St Stephens.

The match was even through the first four sets with St Stephens taking both the first and fourth sets 6-3, while Portarlington took the second 6-2 and the third 6-4.

The final two sets went to Portarlington 6-2 and 6-4, with the difference for the winners being Wendy McLennan, who took her three sets for the day.

Aireys Inlet also moved into the four this week with a convincing win at home against Highton.

The home team started well and was pushed in the opening sets, but prevailed 6-3 and 6-4.

Sets three and four were a little one-sided with Aireys taking them both 6-1, and then the fifth 6-2, but Highton rallied to take the last 6-2, to give Aireys a 5-1 win.

Moolap consolidated itself at the top of the ladder with a 6-0 win over Surfcoast Blue Jan Juc.

The two teams have played each other over a number of seasons, and the play is always competitive.

While the end result was one-sided this time, this has not always been the case, so the rematch in round nine will be one to watch.

The last match of the round saw Surfcoast Black Torquay host Clifton Springs, and keep itself in second place.

The home team set itself up for a solid win in the first two sets, taking them 6-3 and 6-1.

The third and fourth sets were split with Black taking the third 6-1 and the Springs getting through the fourth in a tie-break.

The Springs got its second set in the fifth 6-3, but Joanne Dow won her third set for the day with Jenny Newton in the last to give Black a 4-2 win.